Marco Labate - More than two decades in love with Leica Geosystems

Technical and Sales Support Manager at Leica Geosystems

Hexagon Geosystems is shaping smart change driven by people working to close the gap between what is and what should be. To recognise the faces of smart change, we interviewed Marco Labate, Technical and Sales Support Manager based in Italy for Leica Geosystems, to share with us his work-life balance, career lessons, fun facts and more.

What is your role at Leica Geosystems and for how long you have been working with the company?
I have been working for Leica Geosystems since 1996, currently I'm the Technical and Sales Support Manager for Leica Geosystems in Italy.

How has Leica Geosystems helped you in your career development?
Exceptional bosses (my first one especially, Vincenzo Nanni), so many and different roles covered in 21 years of career and a leadership training program by Hexagon (H.L.D.P. 2014-2015).

What do you enjoy most about working at Leica Geosystems?
For me is something like being in love: there is no specific reason I like– I simply love it! Looking at our brand makes me feel at home.

What are the career lessons that you have learned so far working at Leica Geosystems?
Companies, teams and strategies change constantly. Don't worry about changes. Adapt yourself, study, evaluate the opportunities (for your team and subsequently for yourself), minimize the risks and then (but don't wait too long) embrace it!

How do you define success?
Looking at one of my team members growing up in his/her career. When one of my fellows leaves the team for a better role or to start the project he needs for his career I feel it as both my personal and team success.

What advice do you have for prospective Hexagon Geosystems candidates?
Always be open-minded! Never waste your time on what you consider just well done. The perfect result can be improved. Remember that "great" is enemy of "excellent".

What does true leadership mean to you?
My definition of leadership is based on a H2H (Human to Human) concept: true interest in human and professional growth of people, creating the right mix of human strengths, competences and commitment. Nurture the team awareness in order to inspire, motivate a team to follow the company and guide with a vision.

Fun facts

Favourite book:
The 47 Ronin

Favourite ice cream flavour:
Häagen-Dazs Pralines & Cream

Favourite quote:
Quote1 (Work): Customer Service (Support) is not a department; it is an attitude (anonymous)
Quote 2 (Life): The secret to live well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure. (Tibetan proverb)
Quote 3 (Religion): May the Force be with you!

Favourite meal:
Sushi - Seafood

Your motto:
"Example is the only way to teach” and “Everyone is able to do something hard with the effort of the others"

Best vacation you've been to?
The next one (Japan in August with my son)

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
My bonsai tree (it is always with me when I travel), a book, and a speedboat!

What is the first concert you attended?
Pink Floyd in the 90s

Where is your hometown?
I was born in Rome and I have a special connection to this town as well as every Roman. It is a lifelong love! I have no problem changing hometown and in the last 15 years I have changed it for work and love reasons three times; from Rome to Lodi, from Lodi to Aosta and from Aosta to Crema.